How to Become a Forensic Analyst
You see them on TV and marvel at forensics analysts conducting field work, overseeing laboratory results and sharing them with law enforcement officials in just about an hour, minus a few commercials. Of course, the job is more complex and requires highly specialized skill and training since there's much riding on the results of evidence collection and evaluation. Despite the challenging coursework required of anyone committing to this field, the volume of students enrolling in forensics programs is growing fast. Do yourself a favor and get the best training possible if you plan on a career in forensics.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Math and science aptitude
- Fascination with puzzle solving
- College degree in criminal justice
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to stomach crime scenes
- Talent for organizing and gathering evidence
- Willingness to pursue post-graduate education
Instructions
-
-
1
Take as many chemistry, science and math classes as your high school schedule allows. You will also need a firm grasp on math and training in behavioral sciences like sociology, psychology and anthropology to understand motives behind criminal acts. When time comes to choose a forensics program, think seriously about the consequences of choosing a college that is not accredited. The field is getting crowded and accreditation can tip the scales in your favor when you compete for the most prestigious jobs.
-
2
Gain admission to a college with a comprehensive criminal justice program emphasizing forensic science as a large portion of its curricula. Choose the university with the best mix of required classes and electives for your aspirations and be prepared to undertake qualitative and quantitative research as part of your school experience. Some classes you may be expected to take are Introduction to Criminology, Theories of Crime, Research Methods and Statistical Analysis, Forensic Crime Scene Processing, Victimology, Laboratory Methods, DNA Analysis, Evaluation of Trace Evidence and other science-based coursework.
-
-
3
Round out your training by enrolling in computer classes that complement the life and social sciences you are mastering. Visit any forensics laboratory and you will find many computer-based instruments that speed the process of crime scene analysis. Knowing how to operate these sophisticated machines and read their results adds to your value as a forensic analyst when interviewing for jobs in the field.
-
4
Seek out an internship. Law enforcement bureaus like the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state bureaus of investigation, sheriff's offices, medical examiner's offices and morgues, the Central Intelligence Agency, colleges and universities, district and state's attorney's offices, regional and state labs, private companies, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Naval Criminal Investigative Services and other agencies and bureaus doing forensic work regularly offer opportunities to learn the art and science of forensics analysis via shadowing, internships and mentoring programs. Find the right one and you will stand a good chance of becoming an employee if your performance passes muster.
-
5
Learn on the job. Working as a fledgling team member allows new forensics analysts opportunities for gaining experience under the guidance of department veterans. From cordoning off crime scenes to properly covering hands, feet and face, you'll apply what you learned in school as you help with the collection of materials and secure chains of evidence by properly labeling, packaging and transporting clues. You'll work closely with a laboratory supervisor to analyze evidence and you may be asked to make court appearances to testify about the way you collected and processed evidence.
-
6
Commit to post-graduate education. A bachelor's degree in forensic science with an emphasis on crime scene analysis will get you just so far. Twenty-first century science is moving at warp speed and unless a forensics professional stays on top of new technologies and methodologies, even the best training may quickly become obsolete. That's why master's degree programs in forensics and other aspects of criminal justice are growing and the number of workshops, forums, continuing education classes and post-graduate symposia available to working forensic analysts has increased.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Forensic departments look for analytical, impartial people who exhibit a high tolerance for documentation and a strong stomach. Crime scenes can be grizzly and messy. Your ability to leave behind your subjectivity when you process a scene adds to your worth.
Forensic analysts are privy to highly sensitive information, so expect to be subjected to one or more background checks before you land a job in the field.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Federal Bureau of Investigation
